What is it that makes these people want to jump out of perfectly good airplanes? Are they crazy? What is skydiving exactly and how can I get a taste of what it's like? You've come to the right place for answers to all your skydiving related questions.

 So why would you want to skydive?

There are many reasons why you would want to take the initial plunge (pardon the pun). Maybe you have already tried every other extreme sport out there and skydiving is just another in your list of things to try. Maybe you have a friend who swears it's better than sex and you'd like to give it a whirl to find out if your friend is doing something wrong in the sack. Or maybe, like me, you always wanted to fly and you think this might be a good way to experience unhindered, unassisted free flight. These are all good reasons to go make your first skydive.

 How should I make my first skydive?

There are many ways for you to have your first skydive. Well only three actually (or possibly four if your're really unlucky)

 1. Static Line

The longest established, and most popular at Witbank (also the cheapest, for those wanting to know), option for a first skydive is the Static Line Course.

Students who choose this option will need to complete ground-school training, which is basically about 6-7 hours long, and consists of a classroom session followed by the practical evaluation. The course includes aircraft & exit procedures, landings, emergencies, and much more. The training continues with hands-on practical exercises in the classroom, in the training harnesses and in the aircraft.

Each student on the course will need to satisfy the instructor that they have a good grasp of the material covered in the day's training before they will be cleared to make their first static line jump. Once that has been done, each student is issued with a static-line rig and can make their way to the plane.

Once at the designated jump altitude of 3,500 feet, the jumpmaster will dispatch the students from the aircraft. As the student exits and falls away from the aircraft, the static line (which is attached to a strong point in the plane) automatically pulls the parachute from the container on the student's back and begins opening. All the student needs to do is exit the plane.

The Static Line progression consists of 3 'no-load' static line jumps on which the students will need to demonstrate their ability to exit the aircraft correctly, as instructed in the ground-school. The 3 'no-load'jumps are then followed by a series of DRCP (Dummy RipCord Pull) jumps. DRCP jumps are static-line jumps on which the students will need to demonstrate their ability to successfuly pull a rip-cord. The students will need to complete five successful DRCP jumps in a row before they will be cleared for freefall.

The student cleared for freefall will then proceed through a series of 7 freefall jumps. Once the 7 freefall jumps are successfuly completed the student will move on to the ISP programme (another 7 jumps) after which he/she qualifies for an "A" License.

To do a Static Line Jump you must be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent) and weigh no more than 100kg.

Courses are presented at WSC every 2nd Saturday morning, so arrive early to reserve your place. Courses can also be done during the week by prior arrangement with an instructor. Call the club for details.

 2. Accelerated Free Fall (AFF)

The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program is designed with the serious skydiving student in mind. It costs a bit more than the static line option, but is well worth it if you know that skydiving is the sport for you.

Students who choose to go the AFF route will also need to complete ground-school training. The student can either attend the static-line ground-school and do one static-line jump and then do a short conversion course to switch to AFF, or they will need to complete full ground-school training with an AFF instructor.

After a ground school, the students will be ready to freefall with 2 certified (and certainly certifiable) instructors flying with them. The course has 8 levels, with one jump each for levels 1-7, and a further three jumps for level 8. On levels 1-3 the students will be accompanied by two AFF instructors. On levels 4-7 the students will only be accompanied by one AFF instructor and on the level 8 jumps the students will be jumping solo. Each jump builds upon skills learned in previous dives, so the students must pass each jump to move to the next level.

Many people pass the course in the minimum required jumps (10), but some require more. During the course the students learn how to perform equipment checks, how to handle aircraft and freefall emergencies, the basics of body flight and how to control their canopies to a safe landing. Upon graduation, students will be fully qualified to skydive without the assistance of a jumpmaster.

To do AFF you must be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent) and weigh no more than 100kg.

Courses are to be arranged directly with the instructors. Contact the club for further details.

 3. Tandem

The Tandem skydive is the easiest and fastest way to experience the thrill of skydiving. In a tandem jump you are attached to a tandem instructor via a special two person (tandem) harness. The tandem harness has an extra large parachute designed to carry the weight of two people. Tandem jumps require only a short (30 minute) instruction course before you board the plane and head up to make your skydive.

As an optional (and highly recommended) extra you can have a qualified camera person accompany you on your skydive to film the entire event.

To do a Tandem jump you must be at least 18 years old (younger with parental consent, but this is at the discretion of the Tandem Master) and weigh no more than 90kg.

Courses are to be arranged directly with the instructors. Contact the club for further details.

 4. By Accident

Although this might be a better option than going down with a stricken aircraft, I strongly recommend avoiding this as a first skydive if at all possible.

 Demonstration jumps

Demonstration, or Show Jumps are a great way for you to promote an event. At Witbank Skydiving Club we have a number of experienced skydivers willing and qualified to do demonstration jumps in the Mpumalanga area. Just call a few weeks ahead of time and we can arrange a spectacular display for you.